screenflow.exe

What is screenflow.exe?

screenflow.exe is the Windows executable for Telestream ScreenFlow, a professional screen recording and editing suite. The process handles capture, audio routing, and encoding tasks, often with several helper processes to maintain performance during recordings.

ScreenFlow uses modular processes to isolate recording, encoding, and UI tasks, improving reliability. The main executable coordinates capture settings, while helper components manage audio, video codecs, and live previews.

Types of ScreenFlow Processes

• Main Process: Coordinates UI and capture settings (1 instance)
• Capture/Renderer Process: Handles screen and audio capture per source
• Encoder Process: Video/audio encoding and file writing
• Preview/Utility Process: Live preview, thumbnail generation, background tasks
• Plugin/Extension Process: Plugins or add-ons used within ScreenFlow
• Updater/Background Task: Check for updates and apply patches

Is screenflow.exe Safe?

Yes, screenflow.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Telestream downloaded from official sources (telestream.net or official Windows store if distributed).

Is screenflow.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real screenflow.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if screenflow.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\ScreenFlow\ScreenFlow.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenFlow\ScreenFlow.exe. Any screenflow.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click screenflow.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Telestream, LLC".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-15% CPU per capture, 200-600 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: ScreenFlow should only run when actively recording or editing. Persistent background activity without user action indicates malware.

Why Is screenflow.exe Running on My PC?

screenflow.exe runs when you start ScreenFlow, begin a recording, or when the app is configured to run in the background for updates and live previews.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Capture Session: You're recording the screen or audio; capture threads run as separate processes to ensure smooth output.
• Background Tasks: Live previews, autosave, or auto-update checks keep the app alive in the background.
• Startup Program: ScreenFlow is configured to launch at Windows startup or on user login.
• Background Encoding: Ongoing encoding of recorded clips may keep the encoder process active after stopping capture.
• Driver/Plugin Interaction: Video capture drivers or plugins may spawn helper processes to support device capture and audio routing.

Can I Disable or Remove screenflow.exe?

Yes, you can disable screenflow.exe. You can close or suspend ScreenFlow when not recording, and uninstall it if you no longer need it.

How to Stop screenflow.exe

• End Active Capture: In ScreenFlow, stop recording; exit the recording window; ensure no capture is running.
• Close App: Use the Exit/Close option in ScreenFlow or press Alt+F4.
• End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, find screenflow.exe, and End Task if it remains running.
• Disable Startup: In Task Manager → Startup tab, disable ScreenFlow to prevent auto-launch at login.
• Stop Background Recording: In ScreenFlow Settings → General, disable background recording or auto-start.

How to Uninstall ScreenFlow

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ScreenFlow → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ScreenFlow → Uninstall
• ✔ Restart the computer and remove residual folders if any

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If screenflow.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Active Capture Sessions: Close unnecessary recordings; reduce frame rate or resolution in ScreenFlow settings.
• Background Tasks: Disable nonessential background tasks in ScreenFlow preferences; turn off live previews if not needed.
• Heavy Encoding: Pause or split long recordings; ensure hardware acceleration is enabled or adjust export settings.
• Outdated Software: Update ScreenFlow to the latest version via Help → Check for Updates.
• Problematic Plugins: Disable or remove plugins that are causing resource leaks.
• Malware Infection: Run a full antivirus scan; ensure ScreenFlow is from official source.

Related Processes